16 climbers evacuated after hypothermia attack on Mount Bawakaraeng
Gowa (ANTARA) - A total of 16 climbers were evacuated by a joint SAR team after suffering hypothermia, or a drastic drop in body temperature, while taking part in a Red and White flag ceremony to mark the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence in 2026, at the summit of Mount Bawakaraeng, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi.
“The number of climbers experiencing health problems or physical difficulties (trouble) has been reported at 16 people. Most of the victims suffered symptoms of hypothermia due to extreme cold temperatures, leg injuries, and severe physical exhaustion,” said Head of the Makassar Basarnas Office Muhammad Arif Anwar in Gowa on Monday.
He said that since Monday morning (17/8), the joint SAR team had evacuated eight climbers who were experiencing problems and were in healthy condition after being brought to the Registration Post at Bulu Balea.
By Monday evening, the joint SAR team was still moving to carry out gradual evacuations of climbers in need of assistance, with medical treatment provided directly at the emergency post.
Several climbers were subsequently referred to the nearest health facilities, such as the Tinggi Moncong Community Health Centre.
Basarnas confirmed that the evacuation route remained fully operational, given that climbers’ physical condition is vulnerable to deterioration when descending the mountain towards nightfall.
The routes included the Bulu Balea Registration Post with 2,033 people, the Tassoso Post with 1,081 people, the Kanreapia Post with 422 people, and the Lembanna Post with 250 people. The density of climber traffic on all these routes continued to be monitored by the joint team to keep pace with the dynamics of the terrain.
The operation ran from 15 to 18 August 2026, involving 295 joint personnel from Basarnas, SAR communities, volunteers, and medical staff. Personnel were stationed at eight strategic points, including the mountain summit and Ramma Valley, to respond quickly to any emergency.
Arif again reminded climbers to prioritise safety and not force themselves to reach the summit. He had previously urged climbers to always monitor their physical condition.
In addition, climbers should complete their cold-weather gear and immediately rest or report to the nearest alert point if they begin to feel health problems.
The Makassar Basarnas Special Alert Operation remained on full standby until the security closure on 18 August 2026.